Naruto: Passerby and Returnee

Chapter 121 Kingdom and Ruler

Twenty-five years ago, the Silk Kingdom suffered an unprecedented drought, leaving its farmers, who relied on the heavens for their livelihood, with no harvest. The following year, a locust plague triggered by the drought further depleted the already meager crops. Fortunately, the neighboring Land of Fields and Land of Fire were major grain-producing countries with surplus grain for export, thus preventing widespread famine in the Silk Kingdom. It was this large-scale grain trade that led the king, who only cared about economics, to draw an absurd conclusion.

Growing grain is not as good as buying grain.

However, if we truly lose control over food supplies, given time, we can seize control of the entire nation's lifeline simply by controlling food transportation.

Amidst the chorus of approval, the single criticism was so jarring. It was precisely because the needle stung that the king removed it, casually tossing it into a corner, leaving it to fend for itself. It did indeed fend for itself for many years, but its lingering anxieties prevented it from fading into obscurity, and thus, this aqueduct came into being.

“Ninja Master, I know you are very powerful. Your strength gives you absolute confidence and the means to resist, but I am just an ordinary person, as are they. We cannot resist this country, and we have to use all our strength to protect ourselves.” Harada was filled with an inescapable sorrow. “I have lived long enough. If my life can be exchanged for everyone’s peaceful life, it is worth it.”

Yamaaki gently patted the old man's back, even though his own face was blank and confused. Sakura's heartache was palpable, but she couldn't utter a word of comfort. Shin and Matsuri were at a loss; the Root organization had instilled in them the idea of ​​"obedience," and they had never considered "resistance." Sasuke was the only one who didn't spare Harada's gaze, staring intently at Naruto beside him. He tried to find something in Naruto, but all he saw was calm.

Naruto calmly said, "Why do you think they will be able to live peacefully after this? Bandits don't cherish the spoils they've stolen."

"This place belongs to the land of silk."

Has the Silk Country ever governed this?

"..."

"A ruler who makes the people build the dikes himself must be doing a terrible job in other areas as well."

"..."

"Even after all this, you haven't fled this land. Are you hoping for 'change'?"

"..."

There's an old saying, "Self-reliance leads to abundance." You have the perseverance to control floods, so why not be the "tailwind" that drives change?

Harada, who had been avoiding eye contact, finally reacted. He raised his eyes and met a pair of calm and composed blue eyes. A certain emotion began to churn and swell within him.

Are you... inciting me to turn away from the Lord?

Naruto actually laughed. "Personally, I believe that the happiness of the people is the standard by which to judge whether a ruler is competent. If the people are suffering while he enjoys himself, what is the point of having him as the ruler?"

"In the end, a king is just a 'person'. People can have desires, but a king should restrain his desires instead of satisfying them through the suffering of his people. If he fails to fulfill his duties, there are plenty of people willing to do so for him."

These were words that were practically an open secret, yet they resonated powerfully in the silent night. At this moment, no one thought to condemn that rebellious spirit, because Naruto had uttered words that few had dared to touch upon in a thousand years.

The current rulers of various countries possess a lineage of so-called noble blood that has been passed down for centuries. They consider themselves superior and divide the people into different classes, maintaining their "theory of bloodline" through layers of oppression. The children of the ruler are always messengers of the gods on earth, the descendants of farmers will always be farmers, and only the descendants of warriors are qualified to wield the sword. However, in reality, apart from a few rulers who do possess miraculous powers, the other nobles are nothing more than ordinary people.

A ruler should not be chosen based on bloodline succession.

These are words that would be fatal anywhere, but Naruto said them openly and logically, which made people feel wronged and angry.

Yes. A ruler who ordered the cessation of agricultural subsidies, forcing the entire nation to cultivate cash crops. A ruler who watched his people suffer, even requiring the people to spontaneously repair irrigation systems. A ruler who refused to listen to any dissent, only knowing how to discard a useful tool after it has served its purpose… What right does he have to possess the land! What right does he have to indulge in extravagance and pleasure! What right does he have to… sit in that position!

"It will be dawn in three hours. They will arrive at dawn. There is no time to hesitate."

As everyone pondered, Naruto slowly walked to the window and looked up. The crescent moon was obscured by dark clouds, yet stubbornly revealed a corner, emitting a hazy glow. He was clearly not skilled in genjutsu, yet every word he spoke seemed to possess a bewitching magic.

“Speak your true wish, for everyone in the village.”

The sun rose as usual the next day.

The government's squad appeared as the first wisp of smoke rose from the village, but they were stopped not by villagers, but by two ninjas wearing Konoha headbands. Several miles outside the village, Shin and Matsuri stood like two imposing statues, their youthful appearances barely concealing the entire squad.

"Who goes there?" Xin's face was unusually devoid of a smile as he coldly blocked the road with his sword drawn.

"...We are from the Silk Kingdom's government, ordered to track down a caravan suspected of stealing government salt. We hope the ninja will grant us this favor." The squad leader dismounted and bowed. The situation wasn't quite what was planned, but he reacted quickly and immediately changed his strategy.

“A caravan did approach this area yesterday at noon, but our captain suspected something was wrong with them and didn’t let them near the village. He drove them away.” Xin lied without batting an eye.

The squad leader didn't give up and continued, "Then we also need to go into the village to confirm. We'll have to trouble you to cooperate."

"Why won't you believe me when I say you've been driven away?" Ji muttered loudly. "The captain knew you were coming yesterday..."

As the squad leader was shocked, Xin gave his younger brother a light elbow and explained, "Our captain is a sensory ninja and noticed two groups of people heading this way. Since we didn't know your intentions and were worried you would disturb the village's autumn harvest, we decided to drive them away. Look, that's the road they went down; we might still be able to catch up now."

So they didn't see through the plan after all... Aren't perceptive types supposed to be rare? How come there's one among this group?

"But this is our duty. What if the bad guys come back..."

"The captain will find out anyway. Don't worry, during the autumn harvest, the safety of Yuanba Village will be protected by us Konoha ninjas, so there's no need to worry. However, we can't help with the assistance, as we're short-handed." Shin's unequivocal statement effectively shut down any further questions.

Konoha has an excellent reputation; its ninjas on missions have never been involved in indiscriminate killing. If they were to force their way through, it would be a slap in the face to the Land of Fire, implying that Konoha's ninjas are incapable of protecting a small village.

The squad leader gritted his teeth inwardly, but still said goodbye with a smile, and then angrily mounted his horse again.

"Captain... what should we do?"

"Chase them!" They can't handle the Konoha people, but what about the wandering ninjas? They retreated as soon as they saw the Konoha people. Is that all they're capable of? We must go and bring them back to get some work done!